Missing student John Durkin, who was studying abroad, was found dead in Italy. / AP via Bates College

by Laura Petrecca, USA TODAY

by Laura Petrecca, USA TODAY

A missing U.S. student who was taking part in a study abroad program in Italy has been found dead.

John Durkin, a student at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, disappeared two days ago while he was in Rome. His body was found, but details surrounding his death have not been released.

"It is with much sadness that the Durkin family informs you of the loss of John Nolen Durkin and thanks everyone for their support during the past few days." the family said in a statement posted on the Bates website.

Durkin, 21, was an economics major from Rye Beach, N.H. He was one of six Bates students taking part in a study abroad program through Trinity College in Connecticut when he disappeared.

He had been in Rome for a little more than a month as part of a semester-long program, family spokesman Tom Durkin told CNN.

Two days ago, John Durkin went to a bar with a group of friends, left alone, and never returned, the spokesman Tom Durkin told CNN.

His body was found inside a railroad tunnel in central Rome, says CNN.

Durkin was a junior and a linebacker on the Bates football team.

"John's commitment to excellence in all phases of his life was inspirational to the other members of the squad and a major factor in the team's success over the past three years," said Bates head football coach Mark Harriman in a statement.